POLICE officers have slammed hoax callers after they rushed to a what they were told was a stabbing.

Emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing in Laindon on Thursday evening, only to find a group of friends safe and well, and joking about the situation.

While officers attended the hoax stabbing, other emergency incidents were delayed as a result..

Misuse of police time is a criminal offence, and can land offenders with a fine of £500 and up to a six month prison sentence.

A spokesman from Essex Police, slammed those responsible. They said: “On Wednesday evening, officers from the town Centre team, community policing team, Basildon policing team and dog section have all wasted a huge amount of time attending hoax calls.

“One particular call stated that someone had been stabbed in Laindon.

“While officers flooded the area trying to locate the victim, attendance at other emergency incidents was significantly delayed.

“The person we believed had been stabbed was eventually located safe and well, with three of his friends, who found the whole situation rather comical.

“They have been returned to their very angry parents and we will now look to build a case and take positive action against them.

“Thankfully nobody lost their life tonight as a result of this incredibly dangerous act, but next time we may not be so lucky.

“Hoax calls cost lives.

“We will look to build prosecutions against anyone found to be making them.”

Residents also took to social media to show their anger at the hoax caller. One posted: “I’m glad no one was injured or worse.

“Hoax calls can result in others in genuine need not getting help.

“The officers attending could be in an accident on route and get injured or injure someone else.

“The consequences could be fatal.”